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Pacific Fusion, founded in 2023 and backed by over $900M in funding, is building pulser-driven inertial fusion systems to achieve net facility gain and develop key components for affordable fusion energy. This role is specifically designed for accomplished scientists and engineers currently employed at U.S. national laboratories who wish to pursue an Outside Business Activity (OBA) in fusion energy under Section 10720 of the CHIPS and Science Act. This framework allows national lab staff to directly participate in advancing fusion science and technology as a Pacific Fusion employee while maintaining their primary lab position.
You will lead and contribute to fusion energy R&D projects across the full lifecycle from concept through prototype. The company welcomes expertise across the entire fusion spectrum: plasma physics, fusion science, advanced materials, target design, code development, diagnostics, target fabrication and precision manufacturing, modeling and simulation, AI/ML applications, systems engineering, data analysis, experimental operations, control systems, power plant secondary systems, pulsed power, lasers, optics, cryogenics, vacuum technology, and technology peer review.
Key responsibilities include leading cross-disciplinary collaboration to integrate target design, fabrication, diagnostics, and supporting technologies into deployable systems; publishing results in peer-reviewed journals; and presenting at national and international fusion conferences. You'll work alongside world-class scientists and engineers from the fusion community and hard tech industry, united by urgency to provide clean power while managing climate change and meeting global energy demand.
Required qualifications: Ph.D. or M.S. with significant experience in physics, engineering, or related discipline; strong computational, experimental, or engineering skills relevant to fusion research; current employment at a U.S. national laboratory; and demonstrated top-tier performance with deep commitment to technical excellence.
